Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor-elect of Enugu State, has taken legal action against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and its Director of Corps Certification, Ibrahim Muhammad.
He has filed a lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing them of conspiracy, deceit, and misrepresentation of facts.
In the lawsuit, Mbah is demanding N20 billion in damages.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim injunction on Monday, following a motion ex-parte by Mbah’s counsel, Emeka Ozoani (SAN).
The injunction prohibits the defendants, including their directors, officers, servants, legal representatives, and any other associated individuals, from issuing or publishing a disclaimer regarding Mbah’s NYSC certificate until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
In addition to the N20 billion damages, Mbah’s writ of summons, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/611/2023 and filed on May 4, seeks a declaration affirming his participation in the NYSC scheme for one calendar year.
The writ also seeks declarations of conspiracy, negligence, and malicious misrepresentation against the defendants.
Mbah’s lawyers, Emeka Ozoani (SAN) and Co., presented an affidavit in support of the Motion on Notice.
The affidavit states that after graduating in Law from the University of East London in 2000, Mbah returned to Nigeria and applied to the Nigerian Law School.
While waiting to commence the Bar Part II program, he was advised to complete the mandatory one-year NYSC program. Mbah received a call-up letter and was deployed to Lagos State.
During his NYSC program, the Nigerian Law School scheduled the commencement of the Bar Part II program.
Mbah applied for deferment of his NYSC service, which was approved by the NYSC Directorate headquarters.
After completing the Bar Final exam, he applied for re-mobilization and was reinstated to continue his service year.
The affidavit further explains that Mbah joined the law firm of Udeh & Associates, where he received clearance letters and monthly allowances.
Upon completion of his NYSC service, he was issued the NYSC certificate in question.
The case is scheduled for a hearing before Justice Inyang Ekwo on May 22.